Austin during SXSW. The undisputed heavyweight champ of music festivals in the US and one of the coolest cities in the country year round. Having been down to play at the festival for the last six years, it had become a goal of mine to throw a SXSW version of The Solution with the countless greats acts I know who attend every year, but that’s a little easier than said than done with countless brands, promoters, artists, labels and such scouring the city for unique venues and locking them down well in advance of the festival.

And while this year SXSW continued to grow at a frantic pace, with venues scarcer than ever, we were able to team up with infamously delicious BBQ haven, La Barbecue, the Austin Nomad and one of our favorite music sites, PotholesInMyBlog.com, to create the inaugural SX704 Solution Showcase. One (somewhat major) catch though, we only had about a week’s notice to put together the whole event (and to make matters worse, I was in Los Angeles for some DJ gigs when I got word). Never one to back down from a challenge or great opportunity, my week in LA was quickly taken over by SXSW prep work and a flurry of phones calls.

Over the next few days, me, DJ Trackstar (aka Killer Mike’s DJ) & our friend France (aka Eric Maitrepierre) started working out logistics and details and within no time, we’d put together a lineup that rivaled bigger corporate events, but strictly through our relationships in music and reputations. When everything was said and done, the acclaimed lineup, with ridiculous talent from all over the country, looked like this:

And so, on the afternoon of March 14th, 2013, hundreds of people crossed the bridge from downtown Austin over to South 1st St for the inaugural SX704 Solution, where they were treated to some of the best acts in hip hop, free Lone Star beer and some of the best BBQ in all of Texas (no exaggeration, check out the rave reviews about La Barbecue here, here and here). Better yet, we were able to set everything up as a free event, with no official SXSW wristband requirements and a refreshing vibe that offered a welcomed contrast to the drunken zombies wandering through 6th St.

With rap legends The Pharcyde and up and coming Dungeon Family affiliate Spree Wilson closing out the day, we packed a ridiculous amount of talent into our four hour showcase and left everyone with some great experiences, new favorite acts and a belly full of rave-worthy BBQ. As if that wasn’t enough, the party was free to get into, didn’t’t require an RSVP, wristband or any of that hassle and had free beer to compliment the incredible BBQ, plus a complimentary photo booth, courtesy of Austin Nomad Photography.

A few days later, La Barbecue made sure I left Austin with an enormous freeze-dried brisket and asked us back for 2014, setting the stage for another, bigger & better event, especially based on what we did in one week in March.

Last but definitely not least, extra special shouts to everyone who helped make the event such a success: Leann & everyone at La Barbecue, Chisum at Austin Nomad Photography, France aka Eric Maitrepierre, DJ Trackstar, David & Potholes in My Blog, Sean, Greg & The Pharcyde, Yeti Frozen Custard and all the artists that came through and rocked! – DJ Low Key

1502 S. 1st St (that’s South First Street, not downtown, but close; check out the map below for directions).

All the best in hip hop, R&B and lots more,
every Friday night at The Black Box.
Party photos by IG: @Armando_Geneyro.
Food by The Jerk Truck.
No cover until 10pm / Only $5 after.
Facebook.Twitter.Instagram.
9pm / 21+ / 314 E 13th Ave.